gleek.net : getting started is hard

getting started is hard

i don’t know why i have so many problems starting a project. i can think of at least ten things that i’d like to cast-on for but then i get all nervous and think, “what if it doesn’t work out? what if i wasted all that precious free time on it and it turns out to be crap.” yes, i really do think that. lately, it HAS to be a sure thing. so i’m waffling. i really think that i should swatch and cast-on for flair but i hesitate. ugh.

in the meantime i’ve done some other crafty things. i’m working on a simple A-line skirt for myself. i’ve had this bonfit skirt patterner for years (i remember buying it at my old apartment so we’re talking like SIX years now) and i’ve never used it until now. i think that i was a little intimidated by it seeing as my sewing skills are less than stellar, but i’ve got a little more confidence now and i gave it a shot.

1. using the bonfit patterner, 2. draw around, 3. this was my first attempt, 4. adding in the seam allowance

my first drafting of the skirt (yes, i’m drafting on leftover christmas wrapping paper) didn’t work out well in the hips. WAY too much hips. so i figured out how to cut them back and re-drafted the pattern. i’m working with some cotton sheeting that i bought at BG for my muslin, which i’m going to turn around and use as a lining when all is said and done.

fabric and zipper for my skirt

i also got this at BG. i saw those pink and red turtles and had to have it. should be cute when i’m done. so i’m thinking about installing this non-invisible (does that make it visible?) zipper as an invisible zipper. i know that i’ll sort of see the zipper teeth in the seam but i don’t care. will it work? i think so. i just ordered and received my zipper foot from sears the other day so i can get started tomorrow maybe.

i didn’t want to be without something on the needles (and those miters? my god, i’m having trouble working on them. i think that i’ll save them for our early summer trip to the NC outer banks.)

peanut knit pants

i’m making these knit pants for the peanut (ravelry) using the itchy fingers pattern i found through ravelry. i did all the measurements and the math and i think that we’re on the right track. i even swatched! i took the swatch when i was done and threw it in with our regular wash and dried it. i’m glad i did this because there was a significant change in the gauge seeing as this is a cotton/linen blend yarn. so i have to count rows while doing these pants not go by inches.

under the hem

sorry this image is blurry but i wanted to show my waist mods. i did a turned hem instead of ribbing and i picked up all the stitches and knit them in except for this inch or so pictured here so that i can put in elastic. i’m waiting waiting waiting on a shipment from joanns. god, they are slow to ship.

that’s what’s going on here! oh yeah, and the peanut is crawling now and giving me all types of strokes and heart attacks as she does crazy stuff. i stopped her from killing herself at least three times today. but who cannot love this face?

…. ok, well maybe this face..

stacey

I find that also – my queue in Ravelry is HUGE, yet I have the hardest time deciding on something!!!!!

Wow – pattern drafting. You are ambitious and pretty patient to do that!

Mar 13, 2008 @ 7:55 AM

yaiAnn

OMG! I love that first face! Raaaarrr!!

Mar 13, 2008 @ 8:31 AM

Carrie

wow, drafting a pattern! that sounds very, very scary. I can’t wait to see your finished skirt! and I love love that fabric.

The Peanut is such a schmoo.

Mar 13, 2008 @ 8:53 AM

brenda in toronto

turtle-y and peanuty goodness

Mar 13, 2008 @ 9:38 AM

sarah b.

Such a cute face! And, I completely relate on the starting a pattern thing. I think that’s been what’s stealing my knitting mojo, so I’m just going to jump in on SOMETHING this weekend…anything.

Mar 13, 2008 @ 11:08 AM

Gina

Both faces are loveable, but the second one looks a bit easier on the ears!

Mar 13, 2008 @ 11:39 AM

Sarah

I adore that turtle fabric! And Peanut’s sweet little mug, of course. I’ll be sorry to miss her party, but any chance I’ll see you at The Point TOMORROW?

Mar 13, 2008 @ 11:54 AM

jenna

I get nervous with projects, too. Except that I get nervous and want to quit at the END of a project, rather than the beginning!

Mar 13, 2008 @ 1:51 PM

Macoco

angry peanut! I love how her nose is all scrunched up in that picture.

Mar 13, 2008 @ 3:22 PM

Jackie F.

I’m smiling right now — both at the cute pics of the peanut and your description of her giving you strokes and heart attacks

I saw the Katrina Rib you queued on Ravelry and ended up queueing it myself. It’s a nice pattern and a nice gesture.

Mar 13, 2008 @ 3:53 PM

Casey

What a cute little face! Some days making sure the baby doesn’t kill or maim herself is accomplishment enough.

Thanks for sharing your birth story. My sesame’s birthday isn’t for 2 1/2 more months but I’ve been reminiscing about her birth a lot lately too. Babies’ entrances into the world are always amazing.

Mar 16, 2008 @ 3:35 PM